Tolbert "Toby" Criswell

Tolbert R. “Toby” Criswell, age 85, formerly of Battle Creek, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 5, 2023.  He was born in Lebanon, Tennessee on December 20, 1937, the son of Wilson Criswell and Sarah Fields, and faithfully served his country as a member of the United States Army.  In 2002, Toby retired from the Grand Trunk Western Railroad/Canadian National Railroad after more than 43 years as a conductor brakeman, and also served as General Chairman for the United Transportation Union for several years. 

Toby is survived by his wife, Sherill Criswell; his son, Gregory Criswell; his daughter, Terri (Kevin) Anderson; grandson, Brandon (Jenna) Criswell; sister, Hilda (Bill) Nightingale; and several nieces & nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Tom and Joe Criswell.

Toby enjoyed being outdoors and playing sports, golf, softball, skiing, and bowling, and was honored to win the father-son bowling championship with his son, Gregory, which was one of the biggest thrills in his life.  He also enjoyed watching sports on television, especially golf, football and baseball.  After retiring from the railroad and union, Toby volunteered at Binder Park Golf Course and was able to golf 5 days a week.  Over the years, he scored five holes-in-one and passed his love of golf onto his grandson, Brandon, who is also an avid golfer. Toby was a member of the United Transportation Union and the Riverside Country Club. 

Funeral services with full military honors will be held 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at the Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta.  Please omit flowers and consider making a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project or the ASPCA.  Arrangements by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek.  Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.